Jazz Swings Under The Norfolk Island Pines

News release

Jazz swings under the pines

Jazz greats from both sides of the Tasman come together on Norfolk Island in December for the fifth Jazz in the Pines Festival.

New Zealand band, The Vipers

The sub-tropical island's iconic pines carry the sassy tones of toe-tapping jazz every year and New Zealand artists have long been supporters of and popular performers at the festival.

Set amongst spectacular island scenery, the feel-good week of swing, funk and blues, sees top jazz acts feature in nine shows as well as roving the streets.

Headlined by Australian jazz great Vince Jones, the Norfolk Island Jazz in the Pines Festival 2007 also includes Wellington trio The Vipers led by husband and wife team Josh and Adrienne Hindmarsh.

The event line-up also includes Australian musicians Zenith New Orleans, Bruce Mathiske, Scat Man Du and Virna Sanzone.

Festival dates are December 2 - 9 and Go Holidays is offering a travel package from $1573 per person ex Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The package includes return flights with Air New Zealand, seven nights at your chosen accommodation and the full jazz package which includes entrance to all jazz dinner, lunch and marquee concerts.

The Travel Centre on Norfolk Island is also offering special travel packages to Norfolk Island to coincide with the event. They include return flights with Air New Zealand from $1168 per person ex Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch including transfers.

The deal includes seven nights accommodation, seven days car hire, and a mini Jazz pack which includes entrance to the Thursday and Friday night concerts, reserve seating, free souvenir programme and a glass of champagne on arrival. An upgrade to the full Jazz activities is available at the price of $290 per person.

Vince Jones is Australia's leading jazz vocalist and a remarkable interpreter and composer of songs in a contemporary jazz style. He also plays trumpet and has performed throughout Europe and the United States.

The Vipers is one of New Zealand's hottest bands performing a wide selection of covers ranging from swing, Latin and blues through to pop classics.

Zenith New Orleans bring to Norfolk Island a mix of rag time, good time jazz and blues and a reputation as Australia's most travelled traditional jazz band.

Australia's Bruce Mathiske has been described as a guitar genius and he returns to the Jazz in the Pines Festival with a line-up of well known musicians including jazz legend George Golla.

Scat Man Du is a Brisbane-based trio with a sound that ranges from ambient music through to funk and groove-based jazz.

Virna Sanzone is one of Sydney's most accomplished jazz vocalists with a repertoire that includes a beautiful selection of jazz, gospel, soul and popular standards.

The Norfolk Island Jazz in the Pines Festival is opened on Monday December 3 by The Vipers with a lunch concert at The Governor's Lodge.

The programme culminates in The Marquee on the final two nights with performances by Scat Man Du, Virna Sanzone, Bruce Mathiske and Vince Jones and Guests.

For further details on the special Norfolk Island Jazz in the Pines travel packages contact The Travel Centre direct on freephone 0800 00 88 10 (24 hour voice mail – leave a message after hours), or visit www.travelcentre.nf. Or Go Holidays on 0800 46 46 46 or see your preferred Go Holidays Travel Agent.

About Norfolk Island: Discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, Norfolk Island was first settled as a British penal colony in 1788 through to 1856. On June 8, 1856, the island was re-inhabited by a community from Pitcairn Island, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions. Known today as Norfolk Islanders, they form a majority of the 1,800 resident population. Norfolk Island is renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery, colourful history, sporting and cultural activities, convict heritage and tax-free shopping.

ENDS

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